Apparatus and method for aligning exercise machines

ABSTRACT

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an alignment apparatus ( 110 ) for use with an exercise machine ( 100 ) having an adjustable element ( 20 ). The alignment apparatus includes an operating device ( 114 ) coupled to the adjustable element for adjustably positioning the adjustable element, a beam emitter ( 116 ) connected to the exercise machine, a control device ( 118 ) coupled to the operating device, and the beam emitter. The beam emitter emits rays ( 124 ) to locate the optimum position of the adjustable element, and the control device actuates the operating device to move the adjustable element to the optimum position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise machines in general and foraligning the machines in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are numerous types of exercising apparatus and equipment whichallow the user to develop muscles, lift weights, carry out isometricexercises and generally tone the body and keep fit. Exercise machineshave been developed for specific tasks and for multiple exercises.Exercise units typically operate either via a pulley and cable system inopposition to weights or without cable connection. Multiple units allowthe user to shift his activity from one type of exercise to another.

A typical example of a multiple-exercise machine is described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,986,538 to Ish, which includes a press station at whichexercises are performed in opposition to a selected amount of weights.The press station includes a pivotably mounted, swing link unit allowingthe user to manipulate the link unit into various alternative positionsfor different types of exercises.

To obtain the maximum benefit from the use of exercise machines, theymust be used efficiently. The user needs to ensure that the force beingapplied by weights, for example, to a muscle group being exercised iscorrectly transmitted. Failure to do so and improper use of suchmachines can lead to injury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide apparatus for use withall types of exercise machines so as facilitate the correct use of suchmachines.

There is this provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, alignment apparatus for use with an exercise machine havingan adjustable element. The alignment apparatus includes an operatingdevice coupled to the adjustable element for adjustably positioning theadjustable element beam emitter connected to the exercise machine and acontrol device coupled to the operating device and the beam emitter. Thebeam emitter emit rays to locate the optimum position of the adjustableelement and the control device actuates the operating device to move theadjustable element to the optimum position.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,the exercise machine includes at least one pivotal element connected tothe adjustable element and a resistive component providing a counterforce to the pivotal movement of the pivotal element. The pivotalmovement actuated by the body part being exercised. The beam emitter isconnected to the pivotal element and each of the beam emitters islocated on an axial line about which the pivotal element pivots.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,the optimum position is determined by the beam emitted by the beamemitter being aligned with the joint of the body part being exercised.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,the beam emitters emit light within the visible spectrum.

Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the apparatus further includes at least one receiver toreceive rays emitted by the beam emitter.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,the control device includes a processing unit. The processing unitprocesses data related to the rays being emitted and received, andcontrols the operation of the operating device.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,the operating device includes an electric motor or a hydraulically orpneumatically driven unit.

Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the beam emitters are coupled to the operation of theoperating device.

Additionally, there is provided, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention, a method for aligning an exercise machinehaving an adjustable element The method includes the steps of:

a. activating a beam emitter;

b. locating the optimum position of the adjustable element; and

c. actuating an operating device to operatably move the adjustableelement to the optimum position.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,the step of locating the optimum position includes the step of aligningthe joint of the body part being exercised with the beam being emittedby beam emitter.

In addition, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,the method further includes the step of receiving rays emitted by the atleast one beam emitter. Also, the method further includes the step ofprocessing data related to the rays being emitted and received. The stepof processing data can include controlling the operation of theoperating device.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,the steps of activating the beam emitter and actuating the operatingdevice are coupled together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theappended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a isometric illustration of a prior art exercise machine;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of an exercise machine incorporatingalignment apparatus, constructed and operative in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail of part of the exercise machine of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustration of the components ofthe alignment apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a partly schematic, isometric illustration of alignmentapparatus attached to an exercise machine in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partly schematic, isometric illustration of the alignmentapparatus attached to an exercise machine in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is an isometric illustration of the alignment apparatus, inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention,attached to an exercise machine of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Reference is made to FIG. 1 which is an isometric illustration of aprior art exercise machine, generally designated 12, typically used forexercising of the upper body muscles. Exercise machine 12, generallycomprises a base 14 having a column 16 attached thereto A pulleyarrangement, generally designated 18 is suitably attached to the top ofcolumn 16. A pivotable pair of arms 20 are connected to the pulleyarrangement 10. A hand grip 22 is attached to one end (distal frompulley arrangement 18) of each of the pivotable pair of arms 20.

A stack of weights 24 is connected via a cable 26 and the pulleyarrangement 18 to operatively provide a counter force to the pivotalmovement of the pair of arms 20. Exercise machine 12 further comprises aseat 28 and a back support 30. Seat 28 is adjustable along a verticalaxis, referenced 32, generally parallel to column 16.

In operation, the user lifts the stack of weights 24 by gripping thehand grips 22 and pivotally moving the pair of arms 20 attached to thepulley arrangement.

The exemplary pulley arrangement 18 (illustrated in FIG. 1) comprises apair of pulleys 34, each one of which is attached to the top of one ofthe arms 20, and at least one transfer pulley 36 attached to an arm 38extending from column 16. Arms 20 are suitably connected, via agenerally cylindrical member 21, to a generally horizontal member 40.Arms 20 are pivotably connected to member 21. Pulley 34 is rotatableabout member 21.

Reference is now also made to FIGS. 2-4, a front elevational view of anexercise machine 100, constructed and operative in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlargeddetail of part of the exercise machine 12 and FIG. 4 is a schematicblock diagram illustration of the components of the alignment apparatus110.

Exercise machine 100 is similar to exercise machine 12, describedhereinabove with respect to FIG. 1 comprising similar elements which aresimilarly designated.

Exercise machine 100 further comprises alignment apparatus, generallydesignated 110, coupled to exercise machine 100. Alignment apparatus 110an comprises an adjustable track member 112 which allows the user toadjust the exercise machine 100 to its correct and optimum position.

Adjustable track member 112 replaces member 40 (in exercise machine 12of FIG. 1). Track member 112, which is connected to arms 20 via members21, comprises a pair of slidably interconnected channel members 120.

Alignment apparatus 110 comprises an operating device 114, a pair ofbeam emitters 116 and a control device 118.

Track member 112 is coupled to operating device 114. Operating device114 is also connected to control device 118 and beam emitters 116.

Operating device 114, which may be any suitable motor, such as anelectric motor or a hydraulically or pneumatically driven unit, isoperable to move track member 112 along a generally horizontal plane(indicated by arrow 122).

Beam emitters 116 are preferably any suitable emitter for emitting a rayof light. The light rays (dashed lines 124) include but are not limitedto light within the visible spectrum, such as laser rays.

The control device 118 is any suitable device, known in the art, such asfor controlling the operation of the operating device 114 and emitters116. Control device 118 comprises at least a switch 130 and optionallymay further comprise a processor 132, a display screen 134 and a visibleand/or audible alarm indicator 136. All the components of control device118 are standard and commercially available and will not be furtherdescribed.

Control device 118 may be powered by batteries or electrical means andmay be a remote controlled unit. An exemplary location for attaching thecontrol device 118 is one of the hand grips 22 (such as shown in FIG.3).

In order to obtain the optimum benefit from using the type of exercisemachine illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pivot points (referenced 125)of the pair of arms 20 should be above the shoulder joints of the user.Since the distance between the shoulder joints vary from person toperson, the majority of users of an exercise machine, having a fixedmember of the type illustrated in FIG. 1, will not obtain the optimumbenefit. Generally, the pivot point of the component of the exercisemachine being moved should be directly above the joint of the body partbeing exercised. Thus, by utilizing a light beam, for example, whichaligns with the axial line (same as line 124) about which the componentpivots, the user can adjust the adjustable element until the light beamsmeet the shoulder joints.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the user can adjust thewidth between the pivot points 125 (by means of control device 118) byopening and closing the movable track member 112 until the rays of lightbeing emitted by beam emitters 116 are located on the shoulder joints.Optionally, the “optimum” width between pivot points 125 can bedisplayed on the display screen 134. Alternatively, knowing the optimumwidth, the user can input the desired width to the control device 118and movable track 112 will be adjusted accordingly.

It will be appreciated by persons knowledgeable in the art, that thereare numerous alternatives, additions and variations, all of which fallwithin the scope of the present invention, which may be made to thecontrol device 118 of present invention. For example, memory and astorage device may be added.

Alternatively, the beam emitters 116 may be coupled to operating device114 so that the emitted beam is switched on and off automatically withthe operation of the operating device 114.

In an alternative embodiment, alignment apparatus 100 further compriseslight sensitive receptors (referenced 140 in FIG. 3) which may besuitably attached to the body of the exerciser. For example, receptors140 may be attached to the person's shoulders (FIG. 3) in the desiredposition Receptors 140 are coupled to the control device 118.

In this embodiment, to correctly align the exercise machine, the beamemitters 116 are switched on. Operating device 114 is then activated tomove the track member 112. When the receptor 140 receives rays emittedfrom the beam emitter 116, an alarm 136 can be indicated and operatingdevice 114 automatically stopped.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 which is a partly schematic, isometricillustration of the alignment apparatus, generally designated 200attached to an exercise machine, generally designated 201 in accordancewith another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Exercise machine 201 is typically used for exercising the hips and lowerpart of the body. Exercise machine 201 generally comprises a base 202having a column 204 attached thereto. A pulley arrangement, generallydesignated 206 is suitably attached to the top of column 204. A legsupport 208 is connected to a lever arm 209, which is itself pivotallyconnected to the pulley arrangement 206. A stack of weights 210 isconnected via a cable 212 and the pulley arrangement 206 to operativelyprovide a counter force to the pivotal movement of leg support 208.

Exercise machine 201 further comprises an adjustable platform 216, whichmay be raised or lowered and an arm rest 214 connected to column 204.Arm rest provides support for the user of the machine and is anexemplary location for control device 226 (described below).

During exercise, the user 220 presses on leg support 208 to force leverarm 209 in a generally downward direction thereby causing the stack ofweights 210 to be raised.

Alignment apparatus 200 is similar to alignment apparatus 110, describedhereinabove with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3. Elements of this embodimentof the invention which are similar to elements which have beenpreviously described with respect to the preferred embodimenthereinabove, are similarly designated and will not be further described.

Alignment apparatus 200 comprises an operating device 222, a beamemitter 224 and a control device 226.

Operating device 222, which may be any suitable motor, such as anelectric motor or a hydraulically or pneumatically driven unit, isoperable to raise or lower the platform 216.

In order to obtain the optimum benefit from using exercise machine 201,the exerciser should pivot about their hips. In other words, theexerciser's hips should be aligned with the pivot point (referenced 228)of lever arm 209. In order to ensure that the exerciser obtains themaximum benefit from using this type of machine, the exerciser user 220utilizes control device 226 to operate the beam emitter 224 and raise orlower platform 216 until the rays of light being emitted from beamemitter 214 align with the hip joint. Thus, variations in a person'sheight can be accommodated. Preferably, the machine 201 is locatedopposite mirrors, as in common practice—gymnasiums, so that the user 220can see the light.

Alternatively, the user can input his height in order to automaticallycause platform 216 to be adjusted to the required level.

Reference is now briefly made to FIG. 6 which is a partly schematic,isometric illustration of the alignment apparatus, generally designated300 attached to an exercise machine, generally designated 310 inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Exercise machine 310 is typically used for exercising the leg musclesand lower part of the body. Exercise machine 310 is similar to exercisemachine 201, described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 5. Elements ofthis embodiment of the invention which are similar to elements whichhave been previously described with respect to the preferred embodimenthereinabove, are similarly designated and will not be further described.

Exercise machine 310, generally comprises a base 202 having a column 204attached thereto and a pulley arrangement, generally designated 206suitably attached to the top of column 204. A leg support 312 isconnected to a lever arm 314, which is itself pivotally connected to thepulley arrangement 206. A stack of weights 210 is connected via a cable212 and the pulley arrangement 206 to operatively provide a counterforce to the pivotal movement of leg support 312.

Exercise machine 310 further comprises a seat 316 and an adjustable backsupport 318. Back support 318 is adjustable along a generally horizontalaxis (indicated by arrows 320) so that the distance between the backsupport 318 and the front of the seat 316 can be varied.

In operation, the user lifts leg support 312 to lift lever arm 314 upthereby causing the stack of weights 210 to be raised.

Alignment apparatus 300 is similar to alignment apparatus 200, andcomprises an operating device 222, a beam emitter 224 and a controldevice 226. Control device 226 is connected to beam emitter 224 andoperating device 222. Operating device 222 is connected to back support318.

In the embodiment of the exercise machine 310, the exerciser should beseated so that his knee joint is aligned with the pivot point(referenced 228) of lever arm 314 In order to ensure that the exerciserobtains the maximum benefit from using this type of machine, theexerciser utilizes control device 226 to operate the beam emitter 224and adjusts back support 318 until the rays of light being emitted frombeam emitter 214 align with the hip joint. Thus, the exercise machinecan be adjusted for persons of different stature.

Alternatively, the user can input his height, for example, in order toautomatically adjust the back support.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7 which is an isometric illustration of analternative embodiment of alignment apparatus, generally designated 400,connected to exercise machine 100 (of FIG. 2).

Alignment apparatus 400 comprises at least one beam emitter 402,(referenced 402 u and 402 l), at least one receiver 404, (referenced 404u and 404 l) and a control device 406. Light transmitted by beamemmitter (402 u/402 l) is received by receiver 404 u/404 l). Controldevice 406 controls the operation of beam emitter 402 and monitors thereceipt of the transmitted light by receiver 404. In the example of FIG.7, alignment apparatus 400 is shown coupled to seat 28.

Control device 406 is similar to control device 110 describedhereinabove with respect to FIG. 4 and comprises at least a switch 130for activating the beam emitter 402 and a processor 132. Preferably,control device 406 further comprises a display console 134 and an alarmindicator 136.

Processor 132 is a standard processing unit capable of monitoring thebeam emitter 402 and receiver 404 and indicating to the user whether theexercise machine 100 is correctly set

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, alignment apparatus 400 comprises a pair ofemitters (upper and lower beam) referenced 402 u and 402 l,respectively, and upper and lower receivers, referenced 404 u and 404 l,respectively. Light transmitted by upper and lower beam emitters 402 uand 402 l, are received by upper and lower receivers, 404 u and 404 l,respectively. Upper and lower beam emitters, 402 u and 402 l,respectively, are suitably attached to column 16, generally in line withthe user's shoulders, proximate to the top of back support 30. Upper andlower beam emitters, 402 u and 402 l, respectively, are fixed apre-determined distance, preferably a few centimeters, apart.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the exerciser grips the hand grips 22 so thatthe angle of his elbow is approximately 90°. In order to achieve thisangle, the seat 28 should be raised or lowered to suit. Depending on theseating position of the user, light may be received from one, both orneither of the upper and lower beam emitters, 402 u and 402 l,respectively. If the user is sat too low, light will be received fromboth transmitters and if the user is too high, light will not bereceived at all. When the user is correctly seated the lower beamemitter 402 l is masked by the user's shoulders and light is notreceived by lower receiver 404 l. The upper transmitter 402 u is abovethe user's shoulders and the transmitted light is receivable by upperreceiver 404 u.

In operation, the user of the exercise machine 100 sits on seat 28 andactuates the upper and lower beam emitters, 402 u and 402 l,respectively. The user adjusts the seat 28 until light is only receivedfrom the upper transmitter 402 u.

It will be appreciated, by persons knowledgeable in the art, that theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 can be combined with the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to thevarious embodiment described hereinabove. For example, a second pair ofbeam emitters placed about 10 cm (approximately equivalent to the widthof a persons shoulders) behind beam emitters 116 (when viewed from thefront—FIG. 3). In a similar manner to that described for the embodimentof FIG. 7, the exercising unit (comprising adjustable element 112,members 21 and arms 20) can be adjustably moved perpendicular to thegenerally horizontal axis of adjustable element 112, until receptor 140only receives light from the first beam emitter 116. If receptor 140receives light from the second emitter, the apparatus is incorrectlypositioned.

It will be further appreciated that the present invention is not limitedby what has been described hereinabove and that numerous modifications,all of which fall within the scope of the present invention, exist.Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which follow:

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for aligning an exercise machine havingan adjustable element, the alignment apparatus comprising: a. anoperating device coupled to said adjustable element for adjustablypositioning said adjustable element; b. at least one beam emitterconnected to said exercise machine; and c. a control device coupled tosaid operating device and said at least one beam emitter, wherein saidat least one beam emitter emit rays to locate the optimum position ofsaid adjustable element and wherein said operating device is actuated tomove said adjustable element to said optimum position.
 2. Apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said exercise machine comprises: a. atleast one pivotal element connected to said adjustable element; and b. aresistive component providing a counter force to the pivotal movement ofsaid at least one pivotal element, said pivotal movement actuated by thebody part being exercised, wherein each of said at least one beamemitter is connected to said at least one pivotal element and whereineach of said at least one beam emitter is located on an axial line aboutwhich said at least one pivotal element pivots.
 3. Apparatus accordingto claim 2 and wherein said optimum position is determined by the beambeing emitted by said at least one beam emitter being aligned with thejoint of the body part being exercised.
 4. Apparatus according to claim1 and wherein said beam emitters emit light within the visible spectrum.5. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising at least onereceiver, each of said at least one receiver receiving rays emitted bythe corresponding said at least one beam emitter.
 6. Apparatus accordingto claim 1 and wherein said control device comprises a processing unit.7. Apparatus according to claim 6 and wherein said processing unitprocesses data related to said rays being emitted and received, andcontrols the operation of said operating device ceases accordingly. 8.Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said operating devicecomprises an electric motor or a hydraulically or pneumatically drivenunit.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said beam emittersare coupled to the operation of said operating device.
 10. A method foraligning an exercise machine having an adjustable element, said methodcomprising the steps of: a. activating a beam emitter; b. locating theoptimum position of said adjustable element; and c. actuating anoperating device to operatably move said adjustable element to saidoptimum position.
 11. A method according to claim 10 and wherein saidlocating the optimum position comprises the step of aligning the jointof the body part being exercised with the beam being emitted by said atleast one beam emitter.
 12. A method according to claim 10, wherein saidexercise machine comprises: a. at least one pivotal element connected tosaid adjustable element; and b. a resistive component providing acounter force to the pivotal movement of said at least one pivotalelement, said pivotal movement actuated by the body part beingexercised, wherein each of said at least one beam emitter is connectedto said at least one pivotal element and wherein each of said at leastone beam emitter is located on an axial line about which said at leastone pivotal element pivots.
 13. A method according to claim 10 andwherein said beam emitters emit light within the visible spectrum.
 14. Amethod according to claim 10 and further comprising the step ofreceiving rays emitted by said at least one beam emitter.
 15. A methodaccording to claim 10 and further comprising the step of processing datarelated to said rays being emitted and received.
 16. A method accordingto claim 15 and wherein said step of processing data comprisescontrolling the operation of said operating device.
 17. A methodaccording to claim 10 and wherein said steps of activating a beamemitter and actuating an operating device are coupled together.